#flicked paint

Cameron: "I had to have mentioned I like pain- haven't I?" Cam asked with an innocent tilt of his head, although his smile was cheeky as he reached down to give Lirim's leg a slow rub to try and ease the cramp. He hadn't meant to push his friend so hard; he just hadn't seen the other in forever, and let his excitement get the better of him.

"Love you too, Lirim," Cam grinned and have Lirim's thigh a pat.

Lirim: He could manage without his inhaler. This wasn't that serious. His leg a damn worthy distraction; giving another soft hiss as Cameron massaged.

"Where the fuck have ya been now, huh?" Never mind that he's the one been gone.

Cameron: "Excuse you, I've been right here, thank you very much!" Cam huffed and eased up a little on the massage. "I'm pretty sure I should be asking you that. So- where the fuck 'ya been?"

Lirim: "I was on a restoration commission. Old rich couple in Mobile. Had me stayin' in their guest house n'everything. Really pretty out there." But enough about that. "Are ya still livin' next door?"

Cameron: "Sounds like fancy gig," Cam smiled and gave Lirim's leg a squeeze.

"When I'm not workin'- yeah. Stayin' over at Mason's," Cam nodded and gestured to the building next door. He'd stopped by for a short little reprieve when he'd noticed Lirim was home, and without hesitation he'd come right over. "I work at a school for mutants now. I teach some gym classes, coach some of the sports teams, when 'm not- you know. Kickin' ass elsewhere."

Lirim: "You're moving up in the world. Your assistant days are behind ya." His ass-kicking days were behind him. For the sake of others, he reminded himself with each temptation.

"The demon bein' good to ya?"

Cameron: "Yup. He's married an' shit now too. To the guy I work for at the school, actually." He tried to ignore the painful pang that followed when he said that, but it was quickly followed by a content sigh. He was happy for his friends; love was a precious thing.

"And sadly, yeah," he smiled at Lirim, "but it's nice. I get to help with the kids, and they like me. They like Zeus too. He stays at the school now, and the kids help take care of him when I'm gone."

Lirim: "'Sadly'?" Lirim felt for his cheek, gave it a loving tap. "The fuck is this 'sadly' about? Don't be sad about anything. I'm proud of ya."

Cameron: "Hey, I'm allowed to miss being your assistant!" Cam swatted his hand away playfully and he laughed. "I've missed seein' ya. It's been too long."

Lirim: "I'm not going anywhere. It's you going places, babe." He kissed into that hair. Always expecting to smell green apples. "Missed ya, too."

Cameron: Cam snorted, and leaned into the affection. "Yeah- I dunno about that, but I'm at least not standing still." He wasn't sure how much he wanted to share with Lirim. What would he think, knowing Cam was a ghoul? "So, what're you up to now that you're all done with your fancy job?"

Lirim: "Now, I wanna get out of the house. I wanna find a nice pair of lips to kiss, n'tomorrow I wanna see my family. But! Before all that, this paint needs t'come off."

Cameron: "You can always kiss my lips," Cam winked as he flashed Lirim a cheeky grin, and he offered a hand to Lirim to help him up off the floor. "Come off'a where? What're we doing?" he asked, wanting to help.

Lirim: "Off these clothes! And... " He felt at his face. Yep, that was paint on his cheek. He looked to the standing mirror in the corner of the room. And on his forehead. Wonderful.

Cameron: "Pft," Cam bit back a laugh. "Well, while you're at it- you owe me a shirt, there's paint on this one now!"

Lirim: "I will pay you back in that kiss if you keep mentionin' that damn shirt. That's MY shirt."

Cameron: "So, you're gonna kiss me if I keep mentioning the shirt? Lirim, you're really bad as threats- I gotta say," Cam teased, and he reached down to tug the shirt up and over his head.

It didn't occur to him that the last time Lirim had seen him shirtless would have been before the more notable of his scars, the surgical ones that created a large 'Y' across his chest, like some sort of body in a morgue sewn together after an autopsy, the ones down his back that followed his spine, and the ones down his arms, mirrored lines created with near perfect precision.

He handed Lirim the shirt with a smile. "Fine, here's yoooour shirt back."

Lirim: "Ha! Yeah, maybe. Just seems like a threat now in my old age. Don't ya -" Lirim caught sight of Cameron through the mirror. Squinted in a double take before turning with horrified eyes. Words and breath seized in his throat. Expression conveying more than he could verbally manage. Scars he could feel as though his own. Perhaps his empathy. Perhaps memories or his own imagination, but seeing Cameron's new body churned his stomach.

"Honey..."

Cameron: "Ya aren't that old Lirim," Cam laughed, and when he caught Lirim's expression, and then what caused it, his smile faltered. His shoulders shifted forward, as if he could curl in on himself and hide what Lirim had already seen. His stance no longer held its usual confidence, and reflexively he found himself tugging the shirt back on. He used it as an excuse not to look at his friend directly.

"It's fine," which wasn't a lie. "I'm fine," which was.

Lirim: The fact that his confidence shattered with his surprise, immediately had him wondering how long ago he'd been maimed. That's what this was. It wasn't elegant and certainly a proper surgical procedure would have healed better.

"No no no, I'm - I'm s-sorry. Here! Lemme get us some clean clothes. Upstairs? Come with me upstairs..."

Cameron: A scowl quickly darkened Cam's brow, and he crossed his arm over his chest so he could grip his other bicep tightly. He looked off to the side, not wanting to direct the sudden surge of irritation at Lirim. It wasn't his fault.

"Don't... You don't have to pity me- if that's what that look was. It's fine..." He stressed again, but he started to follow Lirim up the stairs as instructed.

Lirim: His sigh the first real breath he had taken. Both hands squeezed through his hair as he ascended to the main floor.

"I don't have to do a damn thing in my house but love ya."

Cameron: The scowl eased a little, but a small crease still remained between his brows. "I don't want pity," he grumbled, but being upset wasn't how he wanted to spend his time with Lirim. He'd missed his friend too much for that. "Love ya too," and that earned a playful poke to Lirim's side from behind.

Lirim: Lirim turned to mirror his loving assault. Fuck. Who had done that? Why? How long ago? He had to force himself to look away.

"What - What do you want t-to uh, go out in?"

Cameron: Cam had to hold back a sigh as he was poked in return. He stopped at the top of the stairs and grabbed Lirim's elbow to tug the other to face him.

"Lirim- I'm going to tell you why I have the scars; I don't want the rest of us spending time together to be like this, please..." His voice was soft, and he kept his eyes glued to the floor between so he didn't have to look at Lirim. Hopefully telling Lirim would clear the air, right? He could stop wondering, and they could move past this...

"I was abducted and held in a mutant testing facility by a crazy, madman of a "scientist." I think I was there for almost a month. I've... never asked those who rescued me how long it was exactly, but there were no windows where I was held, so I had no real sense of time while there. It... felt much longer than a month.

He'd open me up, and when he was done with... whatever, he'd inject me with something that would make my body heal right before my eyes- if I was conscious. Then he'd do it again. And again. And again.

It left scars. And healing myself to stop the scars meant he'd want to know how I could do that- and why it had limits. I couldn't let him know that either so I just- had to let him do it."

His grip tightened on Lirim's arm for a moment.

"Please," he pleaded softly, "I don't... I know that-that I'm-" his voice caught in his throat, and stopped himself from saying the word 'broken'.  He leaned forward to rest his forehead on Lirim's shoulder. "I just- I just want to spend time with my friend. My friend who I've missed, very much."

Lirim: Lirim was pliant in his grasp, as though no time between them had happened. Trusting of Cameron's intention.

"Like - Like what? I w - wasn't gonna ask." But of course he wanted to know. Had he really been gone for so long? No. He'd been right here in New Orleans for the majority of the gap. The art gallery, another failed relationship, being a father, his art, where had socialization gone? Nights out on the town with friends getting shit-faced. He hadn't been allowed. Every man he'd ever dated had been the jealous type.

And in that lost time, Cameron had been stolen, tortured. Fuck, now they had something in common, something he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy. But Cameron had been held for much longer, dealt with nightmares beyond his comprehension. He could feel Cameron's emotions seeping through his skin. Goosebumps and an unbearable chill of memories beyond his sight.

Eyes glossed with stubborn tears, blinked away and caught by his sleeve. Cameron could grasp as desperately as he needed. The empath wasn't going to deny him. Rather, he was going to pull him to his chest and cradle his head.

"I've got ya," he said into his hair. "I've missed ya so much. Fuck, Cammy."

Cameron: "I've missed you too," Cam replied softly, and his voice shook as he curled into Lirim. He was pretty sure seeing Lirim after so long apart was the cause of these tears, but he didn't question it as his fingers curled into the back of Lirim's shirt. Tears dampened the shoulder of the others shirt, and he let himself cry as he was held.

"I missed ya a lot you know? Where were ya?" He asked, and he regretted the small crack in his words towards the end.

Lirim: Lirim wanted to soothe with his grace, but not without permission. This could be as naturally as Cameron wanted. They didn't have to move until he was ready.

The question he'd hoped to avoid. The shame of it all.

"I um, I-I haven't... really... been anywhere. I don't - don't have a good... good track record with relationships." Between a hundred thoughts and explanations in queue and a rebounding stutter, Lirim forced himself to speak as carefully as his will would allow.

"When it ended, I just - just kept findin' excuses t'go be someplace else. A friend's weddin', vacation, work. S'just been work, lately."

Cameron: "I swear if I see him-" Cam's grip tightened around Lirim, and he squeezed his friend gently.

"I woulda been there for you, ya know?" Cam didn't want to numb the sadness in his heart. He did that enough when he was alone and black out drunk. It would pass.

Then he stopped, and realized how hypocritical that sounded coming from how own mouth. "But I get it... I get... It get it. I can't say I'm... Any better. I did the same thing...." Another squeeze. "Just don't- don't do it again okay? Please don't...." He didn't want to lose anyone else.

Lirim: "Hey," Cameron's face was cupped. "It's behind us. He's gone. I got no one t'answer to anymore. I just needed t'find me again. We're blubberin' in my hallway. All's right in the world," he laughed, brief and tearful. One more lingering hug for good measure.

"Wanna go dancin' with me?"

Cameron: Cam sniffed as his face was cupped, and he reached up to rub at the tears in his eyes. He returned the hug, and squeezed Lirim tightly.

"Alright," he laughed and wiped the few lingering tears from his cheeks. "Where are we goin' for this dancing?"

Lirim: "How would ya feel about the club I used to dance in? They still have good tunes last I was there." Thumbs brushed over Cameron's flushed cheeks before release. "We both need t'wash our faces."

Cameron: "Sure," Cam grinned and he nodded towards the direction of the bathroom. "Lead the way," he smirked, "we just goin to have fun, or are we tryin'a get you laid tonight? I can make a great wing man."

Lirim: Cameron was gently turned and pushed towards the bathroom.

"Laid? Ha! Not tonight. I just laid eyes on ya again. S'all about us tonight."

Cameron: Cam laughed, and he moved to the bathroom to wash his face. "Alright then," he called to Lirim as he rinsed his face, "what kinda outfits are we thinking? I can just make my own..."

Lirim: "Nah, I like fightin' with ya over shirts." He was leaning towards one of his cool-toned button downs and a torn paint speckled pair of jeans. "Sexy casual?"

Cameron: "Alright, you got something green or black I can wear then?" He asked, and tugged the painted shirt off once again.

Lirim: "Jesus," he laughed under his breath. "I have both! Tie or bowtie or nada?"

Cameron: "God, a tie or bow tie are gonna be hot as fuck in a club...." he mused as he drifted in Lirim's direction, and bunched up his shirt into a ball. "Fuck it, I haven't worn a bowtie in forever, and I think I look pretty good in one so- bow-tie me." And his shirt was tossed directly at Lirim's head.

Lirim: "We will be hot as fuck in the club." At least by his standards. Half of the clubs in town required a dress code for men, anyway. Might as well dress prepared for any building.

"I...think...I'll go...tie."

The stained shirt babushka'ed his head, hiding his face as he single-handedly text.

"What is your opinion on strip clubs?"

Cameron: "We will," Cam agreed with a grin, and he leaned against the wall as he waited to receive the afformentioned clothing.

"Uh..." He gave Lirim a look. "I've been to like, one my whole life but am not opposed? You wanna go to a strip club?"

Lirim: Right. Clothes. His phone was tossed onto the bed.

"My friend Roxie is workin' tonight. Paradise City. Seen that place? The other side of town from Imagination." Another person he hadn't laid eyes on in an age. Fuck.

"How's this one?" A dark forest button down and textured charcoal bowtie were offered.

Cameron: "I think I've seen it," Cam smiled and nodded as he took the clothes from Lirim so he could tug them on. He tucked his shirt into his pants, and with a snap of his fingers and a flash of green light, his pants shifted to match the color of his tie, and they adjusted to the curves of his body in just the right places.

"I think your pants are gonna be a little small for me in certain places," he teased.

Lirim: "Can't ya just... What ya just did?" he laughed. "Still dunno how that all works. Not really. I need - fuck. Still need to wash up. Won't be long." Just five minutes for a quick rinse, the same amount of time dedicated to washing his face and brushing his teeth. Some things couldn't change with time, and looking at least somewhat presentable was one of those consistencies.

"Hey, Cam?"

Cameron: "I mean- did you have a different pair in mind- cause yeah I can do that!" He laughed. He waited patiently for Lirimnto finish his rinse.

"Yeah?"

Lirim: "You've already changed their color. Might as well keep em! Looks good on ya."

A pause to suffocate his face in a towel.

"Have ya really been okay since... ?"

Cameron: Cam hesitated at that. He was fairly sure Lirim would be able to feel a lie, but regardless...he didn't need to lie to Lirim.

"Truthfully? No. I... I've had some other shit happen. Lost my warehouse, and in turn lost my kid. A girl I was going to adopt." He felt his throat tighten at that. "I spend a lot of nights drowning myself in booze and one-night-stands with the hopes that I can be exhausted enough that when I do lose consciousness I don't have to be plagued by nightmares. Some nights are easy, some nights are hard. But as far as being with my friends- my family- I'm done letting it mean I don't do my best to still be with them and making memories with them every day. Those things are a part of me now. I can't keep letting them hold me back, or stop the good things in my life."

Lirim: Slowly, Lirim reappeared, hair still wet from a haphazard towel dry, wearing nothing more than a pair of washed out jeans. His appearance had taken a backseat to Cameron's confessions. As it should.

Their similarities were humbling. Different traumas, same desperate recovery. Sinking in on themselves, hidden in their minds and their homes and their work. Finally poking their heads out, just a little.

"Same," he finally said. "Bein' done, I mean. Same. They don't go away, but... when I realize how much time I've lost. With Bronwyn, with my friends, family. Bein' scared of what that... wh-what - what the consequences would be." He cleared his throat, chin down and eyes to the floor. "We can't live like that. That's not livin'."

Cameron: Cam smiled at that, and he reached over to ruffle Lirim's damn hair.

"My thoughts exactly! So- no, I'm not okay, but at the end of the day that's okay, and it's not going to stop me from having a good time with you."

Lirim: His hand came to clasp at the back of Cameron's head. A quick bit of affection before dropping his hand with dead weight.

"The show must carry on." Said more to himself, but still. "Now I dress." Which wouldn't take long. Warm tones, tie, and vest. White sneakers to finish the look. Fingers quickly combed through his hair. Its shortness revealing subtle curls as it began to dry.

"Ready?"

Cameron: Cam added a pair of matching boots to his outfit, asked Lirim's opinion on a pair of suspenders, and took some water from the sink to redefine his hair.

"Lead the way," he grinned when they were finished, and he rolled the sleeves of the button-up to just under his elbows.

Lirim: "Don't even remember buyin' any of those," Lirim muttered, staring with a flat brow at Cameron's suspenders. "Did you mutant-magic those things to existence?"

Lirim held the front door for his guest, locking behind without the use of his key. Months of practice and losing his key to master that little trick.

"Strip club or dance club first?"

Cameron: "Yeah, tis why I was asking for your opinion on them," Cam grinned and he gave Lirim's side a playful elbow. He grinned at the little display of powers and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Strip club I guess? You wanted to visit a friend, right?"

Lirim: "Sexy. The answer is sexy."

Cameron was bumped as well, arm swinging around his neck for a half-hug as they walked.

"Yes! Alright. Ya might like what ya see and then we don't go anywhere else. More than women there, I can promise ya that."

Cameron: Since they were so close in height, Cam hunched slightly so Lirim could comfortably keep his arm over Cam's shoulders. Then own arm wrapped around Lirim's back, and he squeezed in return.

"Fuck yeah, now you're talkin' my language!" Cam grinned and he gave Lirim's hip a squeeze.

Lirim: "AaAh!" Lirim shuddered and laughed. "I haven't had a man in months. Careful were ya touch!"

Cameron: Cam snickered and returned his hand to Lirim's lower back.

"You want some tips? I've gotten pretty good at luring strangers into bed," Cam laughed, but it didn't stop a twinge of emptiness in his chest from saying it out loud. There'd only been one person he'd slept with that was a friend, anyone other than that had to been scratch the many itches that needed easing.

Lirim: "I confess. I have someone in my closet. His name is Sven and he's pink." His laughter, as well as his smile, gently faded with Cameron's following emotion. What a familiar ache.

"Been almost two years," he confessed. "Since... him. They were both..." Lirim watched the sidewalk. "Different, but the same. So ya know, maybe I'll take ya up on that advice. Done with that flavor ice cream."

Cameron: Cam laughed at that, and when Lirim's smile faded he felt a little guilty for being a cause of it. He knew Lirim could feel his emotions pretty easily, and this was supposed to be a good time!

"Damn, two years is a long time," Cam gave Lirim's side a playful, ticklish poke. "Well like I told you, you wanna get laid and I will be your wingman, Lirim. I bet you I can find you a good lay without much trouble." He flashed a grin at the other, and tried to brighten the mood between them once more.

Lirim: "It is and it isn't. Waitin' for em to come home. Waitin' for it to be safe." A word he'd only thought, never used. Not even with Bronwyn. It made his skin crawl.

"Bitch, ya think I need a wingman?" Lirim laughed. "I'm only over hill one! I'll need your help at hill two, forty."

Cameron: Cam bristled protectively at that. He hated that it made sense, considering Lirim's past relationships, but at the least this meant things were taking a turn to normal. Lirim didn't have to wait any longer.

"Well excuuuuuse me, ya old man!" Cam laughed with him, and he gave Lirim's rear a playful squeeze. "I was just offerin' my assistance, I'll just give you my tips then if you need 'em." He stuck his tongue out in Lirim's direction.

Lirim: Lirim gave a playful yelp and rubbed at his ass. Not the least bit offended. He fucking missed this.

"So, tell me one of those tips. Lemme guess. Ya just sit in someone's lap and say, 'Do me.'"

Cameron: Cam laughed. It was not what he would recommend, but-

"Absolutely," he grinned and bumped his hip playfully against Lirim's. "'Fuck me' is also a fairly successful alternative I've found."

Lirim: "Ya really just go up to men and say that?"

Cameron: "Pft!" Cam had to cover his mouth with his arm to literally stop himself from spitting. "No! You great dork!" He laughed, harder now, and reached up to ruffle Lirim's hair. "Anyone I could imagine that'd work would NOT be someone I think I'd wanna sleep with!"

Lirim: "I dunno what fuckin' clubs ya go to! It'd work on most men 'round, let's be honest. Just gimmie sex."

Cameron: "I tend to visit big ones in New York, when I go," Cam shrugged. He wasn't exactly proud of the way he brought men home, but Lirim was right in a way, once he knew a man was interested, that was usually all it took. "I don't usually go with friends, so this'll be fun!"

Lirim: Lirim would keep the mixed bag of emotions he felt from Cameron to himself. Whatever that guilt and shame was at the mention of New York. Years of lost string to connect the dots. He had only what Cameron had given him. Two terrifying events which could account for much, but he would venture to believe not the entire picture.

"This is just as much about ya as it is me. Who knows? Roxie might know someone in need of your very special company."

Cameron: Cam scoffed and gave Lirim's hip a squeeze. He'd forgotten just how sharp Lirim's senses were, and how most of the stuff he'd hide from others were easily detected by his friend.

"Well, I wouldn't turn down 'very special company', but my main goal is to have a good time with you," he leaned his head on Lirim's shoulder. "I've missed ya."

Lirim: Not as though he hadn't thought of Cameron that way. How very special. He couldn't bring himself to push that boundary, romantically or sexually. Not after two disasters. Cameron deserved better. He was also aware of Bronwyn's relationship with him. Her third son, said once over tea.

So, they'd walk awkwardly, leaning into one another, head against head.

"So fuckin' much. So, what does a demon's house look like?" He only knew of one.

Cameron: There had been a time Cam would have tried to get his friend into his bed for some fun, but that time had long since passed. He was far too damaged, and the risk of fucking it up and losing Lirim was too great a fear. Their friendship was enough, and he was content with that.

"Pretty standard. Flashy, now it's got some of my shit lying around- so some obnoxious purple and green splahes that DO NOT match the rest of the house. A dungeon." He grinned.

Lirim: "Of course a goddamn dungeon. I imagined red walls and black floors. Skulls everywhere."

Cameron: Cam laughed.

"Not quite. It's pretty normal inside, I promise."

Lirim: "So, it's a trap," he laughed. "That's how they get ya. Unassuming but beautiful."

Cameron: "Mmm... If it's a trap I definitely fell for it. I've been in long enough there's definitely not chance of escape!" Cam snorted, and he straightened up a little so it was easier for them to walk.

"How far away is this place?"

Lirim: "Fell for the other Atlas. The taller, younger one. Imagine a Victorian house from a period piece and put an Armani suit on it."

Lirim tossed his hand forward.

"Could call an Uber if you're feelin' lazy."

Cameron: "Oh! Yeah- I met him for just a second at Mason and Charles' wedding- that description is accurate. He was there with.... his fiance and their kid- and they seemed nice enough. If he's even kinda like his brother, he can't be too bad," although it made Cam curious about what kind of demon-y things he did in his spare time.

Cam shook his head at the offer for an Uber.

"Nah, I just wanted to know how much time we got, that's all."

Lirim: "Lots of time. Probably should call an Uber. Taxi. Whatever."

Cameron was given a glance. "Never realized how many...things we feel any given moment until this happened. Say one word and just," another gesture. A single hand explosion. "Gets old around strangers. Around people I miss it's more of a welcome."

Cameron: "Pft, why didn't we do that in the first place?" Cam chuckled, and fished out his phone to summon said Uber.

"Can you control it at all? So you don't feel so much?"

Lirim: "Wears me out when I try. But like I said, it's welcome around ya. I'm not about to suppress, and I don't want ya to, either."

Cameron: Cam frowned a little at his phone, before he tucked it into his pocket. "Should be here in like 10 minutes..." Cam sighed softly, and leaned his head against Lirim's shoulder. "I work so hard to hide my feelings half the time, you're gonna make it difficult," he smiled and gave Lirim's hip a squeeze. "I missed ya. I'm glad you're back."

Lirim: "Ten minutes?! Ugh." They should have had their fill of wine or tequila before heading out. Something to start the evening in the direction he knew Paradise would push.

"Most of the people I know do that. Try to hide things. They keep a straight face. Say what they think they should say. The way people are with most things. We don't wanna bother people, then we starve ourselves for a connection. N'then just," relentless explosive fingers by his temple. "Has to wear people out. Probably why so many people have restin' bitch face. Let that shit out."

A moment too late to realize how easy it was to return to his gabby self in Cameron's presence. Hiding his smile would have defeated the very point he'd made.

"So much," he laughed.

Cameron: "You're right... I guess I can't help it. I'm... tired of being a bother. Of feeling the same old shit and not being able to move on..." He shrugged. It made him feel rather pathetic, and he was tired of that too.

Cam chuckled at the comment about resting bitch face and he nodded.

"Can't argue with you there."

Silence stretched between them for a minute, before Cam spoke up again.

"Ya know, I missed listening to you just talk? When I worked for you it was nice to just hear your..." he grinned, "lectures about whatever we were talking about."

Lirim: "I don't believe you're a bother. I think you're only botherin' yourself."

He was shaking his head before he smiled. "What? Not knowin' when to shut the fuck up?"

Hands slipped into his back pockets, shoulders raised in his second only defensive stance, bearing vulnerability with a shrug. "I dunno. I missed conversation in general, I guess. Sorta to the point with people. Or I mean, I don't have people I just talk to like this anymore."

Cameron: "I can't argue with you there either," Cam chuckled. He'd always been his own worst enemy. Then he shook his head and laughed. "No! I was agreein' about your comments about resting bitch face."

His smile softened and he gave Lirim's arm a soft squeeze, just as a car pulled up to them.

"Well I'm glad you're still comfortable talking to me like this," the car was their uber, so Cam opened the back door and gestured for Lirim to slide into the seat. "Your chariot awaits!" he teased and flashed Lirim another grin. Tonight would be fun, they were a drive away from a blast of a night, Cam was sure of it.

Lirim: "I'm playin'! But Cameron must have known. This was banter a little too far from his new normal. He had indeed missed much.

"Why thank ya, sir!" Lirim slipped into the passenger seat and stretched. "I feel ten years younger with ya beside me." Lirim leaned forward, a quick conversation with their driver. So damn weird. Years of this service and still something was just off about it.

Cameron: Cam closed the door after Lirim and entered the car from the other side.

"Well I"m glad for that too," Cam grinned and leaned back into his seat as the driver pulled out onto the street. "Isn't that what younger friends are for?" he teased and shifted so he could drape his legs over Lirim's lap.

Lirim: Lirim grabbed hold of those legs and began to massage. "Fuck, how old are ya now?"

Cameron: "Mmm... Cam hummed his approval. "27. How old are you again?"

Lirim: "Are you tellin' me I met ya at twenty fuckin' years old?"

Cameron: Cam tilted his head. "Uh... yeah, I guess that'd be about right." The mutant narrowed his eyes at Lirim. "You didn't tell me how old you are..."

Lirim: Deep breath. "M'thirty six."

Cameron: Cam raised a brow at Lirim. "Well to be honest, you don't look much older than the day I met you."

Lirim: "I've been told that, recently. Could be... ya know." The thing he wouldn't say in an Uber.

Cameron: Cam nodded. "I gotcha. Would explain it. Seriously, you really don't look a day over 30."

Lirim: "It's a limbo thing. I dunno what it means exactly."

Cameron: "Limbo?" Cam's brow furrowed and he tilted his head.

Lirim: "Am I like some people we know, or am I just really good at agin'," he smiled.

Cameron: "Ah," Cam chuckled, and he playfully wiggled his legs in Lirim's hands.

Lirim: "What are these doin'?" He squeezed underneath his calves.

Cameron: "Wigglin'," Cam explained, and his legs wiggled again for emphasis. "I'm just excited. It's been a while since I've gone clubbing with friends."

Lirim: "What have ya been doin' for fun lately?"

Cameron: Cam shrugged. "To be honest... Not a lot. I try to occupy myself with work, and when I'm not working, I work out. I go to a club when I want to scratch an itch... I walk Zeus." He shrugged again. "What're you don't for fun these days?"

Lirim: "Sounds like you've put yourself into a routine." He understood intimately. "Ya go about the motions. Then one day, ya look around, realize how much time's gone."

Cameron: "Yeah..." it also meant he didn't have to think, but Lirim was right. He'd stop one day and realize how much time was gone. He wiggled his legs again and scowled playfully at Lirim. "Oi- you didn't answer my question. What do you do in your free time these days?"

Lirim: A leg was gently lifted and stretched closer to the door. "Usual stuff, I guess. More paintin'." Less selling of those paintings, but, "thinkin' about writin' again."

Cameron: "What're 'ya wanting to write?" Cam asked with a tilt of his head, and he gave his legs another playful wiggle as he was moved.

Lirim: "Goin' back t'the series I started. I keep gettin' fanmail. Surprised anyone still reads it."

Cameron: "I think I remember ya saying something about that.... How do I read this series, especially if you're getting fan art!"

Lirim: "Still have copies in my bedroom. Welcome to em." Lirim stared out the window. "I got a few. Fan art, I mean. Might be more online."

Cameron: "I wanna see!" Cam demanded with a playful kick of his leg. "And I'll definitely take a copy."

Lirim: "Friends and family get em free. Only two volumes."

Cameron: "Then I'll take 'em," Cam nodded. "What are they about?"

Lirim: "About a man," he sighed. "A shy artist that doesn't think he can be an artist. His adventures before he dies, reincarnates, and tries again.

Cameron: Cam smiled.

"Huh... doesn't sound like anyone I know," he grinned and nudged Lirim cheekily with his knee.

Lirim: "I know I can be, thank ya very much."

The car came to a stop. Thank God.

"More like," he watched the Uber drive down the block, fixed his clothes, "I think I was writing about my past self."

Cameron: Cam followed suit, and he bumped his hip against Lirim's when he stopped next to the other. "Yeah? I've never had a... sense of a past life, or anything like that." He shoved his hands into his pockets, and glanced around where they'd stopped.

Roxanne: Paradise City was a two-story building easily distinguishable from the surrounding clubs and bars by its flashing lights and Vegas-like gaudy splendor. It made no secret of what lay beyond the doors, advertising exotic dancers of all persuasions in bright neon.

The same applied to the patrons coming in and out. Two large bouncers stood guard outside and checked IDs for both men and women, from younger older, all in varying stages of intoxication.

Lirim: A place so familiar, throwing memories of his years in college. The stench of cheap and expensive cologne, bodies, liquor. Not Paradise City, but Imagination. What a time to have been alive.

Lirim looked back at Cameron, all smiles. "Who needs a past life when we have right now, right? Why I stopped writing." Among other reasons. Not tonight or any other night.

IDed, paid, and down the small hallway and into the main hall. Already on the lookout for Roxie.

"I am in need of rum."

Cameron: "Mmmm..." Cam hummed in agreement, but the way Lirim said it roused a few questions in his mind- for a different kinda night. He followed Lirim's lead, and once inside Cam took a moment to admire the interior. It certainly set a mood, and he felt a tingle of excitement curl up his spine.

"I could do with some gin. Or a whiskey and coke." He chimed in, his eyes still roaming their surroundings.

Roxanne: It would be impossible to miss Roxanne Barrett among the sea of people.

She was on the main stage tonight performing a crowd favorite: her Jessica Rabbit routine. Which included, among other things, a red wig, red glitter tear-away gown, and Amy Irving's mesmerizing voice.

Cam and Lirim would be just in time to see the gown come off to raucous cheers and witness Roxanne climbing her pole.

Lirim: "All these years and I only now discover ya like gin. Where is she; where is she..." The cheers caught his attention, and his smile lit his face. His own well above the general chorus.

"Go on, Roxie!"

Cameron: "Gin's a more recent taste I've started to like," Cam replied, and he paused as his attention was drawn to the stage. When be heard Lirim cheer, Cam assumed this might be there person Lirim came her for, so Cam cupped his hands around his mouth and let out a loud whistle - adding the sound to the cheers.

Roxanne: After so many years, it was easy to tune out the noise and focus only on her moves and her music and not falling off the pole. But every now and then, she'd hear something that pierced through the din. Most of the time it was usually someone exceptionally drunk or exceptionally loud, but tonight it was neither of those.

What managed to pierce through on this night was a voice she hadn't heard in what must have been years. A very familiar and beloved voice.

Roxanne made a subtle scan of her audience and spotted the source just beyond it almost immediately. If she wasn't in character she would've grinned like a lunatic, and she really hoped the twinkle in her eye as she winked at Lirim let him know that.

Lirim: "Rum and coke was my go-to in college. Fuck it." That's what he'd order, and whatever it was Cam wanted. He'd be paying if Cameron wasn't going to argue.

"Kinda miss it. That life. Was like bein' high."

Lirim winked back, though he doubted she'd be able to tell from the dim lighting.

Cameron: Cam didn't argue this time, but the next round was on him.

"I never went to college, but I did get into one recently. I was gonna try to be a paramedic. I'm not sure if I want to go, but we'll see...." he shrugged and grabbed his drink once it was made, and then he turned back to the stage.

Roxanne: True, Roxanne couldn't see Lirim winking back, but she was aware of his presence as she worked her way through her routine. She had a time staying in character when all she wanted to do was smile.

It was going to be a good night tonight, and not just because people were throwing money at her.

Lirim: "It's not everything. Havin' a trade, knowin' somethin's all that matters. Doesn't have to come with a mountain of debt."

Cameron was given a smile. "You're way smarter than college."

Cameron: Cam watched the performance out of the corner of his eye as he smiled over at Lirim.  "I gotta say, I think you're biased in that belief," he chuckled and sipped at his drink.

Lirim: "I didn't become biased overnight. I don't say shit just to be sweet," he smirked.

Cameron: A smile found Cam's lips with that and he leaned into Lirim so he could rest his head on his friend's shoulder. "Don't sweet talk me too much Lirim, I might change my mind about trying to sleep with you." Cam teased, and he elbowed Lirim playfully in the side.

Lirim: "What are friends if not with benefits?" he joked, and offered a sip of his rum and coke.

Roxanne: Once she finished her routine to more raucous cheers and a small shower of money, Roxanne made her way backstage and quickly changed into her floor outfit. 'Outfit' was a loose term, of course, as the getup consisted of sheer stockings, heels, and a frilly little lace number that left precious little to the imagination.

She was back out in record time, meandering the crowd for a few moments until she spotted her quarry.

"Lirim!"

Cameron: Cam turned to look when he heard Lirim's name shouted, and he blinked as a very, mostly naked Roxie approached them. He elbowed Lirim in the side to get him to turn, and nodded toward the approaching performer, and he gave her a small nod and a smile.

Lirim: Her voice was unmistakable. He was smiling as he was elbowed, turning with arms wide open. He didn't rightly care how naked she was. He was going to give her a squeeze, rules be damned.

"That's your best number, I swear. I still say blue is your color, though. Oh! Roxie, this is my old friend Cammy, and this is the best dancer you'll ever meet," he waved his hand between them. Already on the lookout for one of her overeager bouncers to scold him.

Roxanne: She all but ran into Lirim's arms with a delighted laugh, hugging him hard.

"It's been ages since you've dragged your cute little behind down here to see it! Was startin' to think you'd forgotten about me."

A bouncer did take notice of them, but one nod from Roxanne was enough to get him to stand down. Actual friends were permitted exceptions to the 'no touching' rule.

"Well nice to meet you, Cammy," she said, offering a smile and a hand. "Ya'll want a drink? It's on me."

Cameron: Cam was unbothered by most stages of nakedness, and tonight was no different. He kept his eyes on Roxanne's face, and when offered the hand he returned the smile, then shook it firmly.

"Nice to meet you too. Normally I don't let just anyone call me Cammy," Cam smirked and elbowed Lirim playfully in the side, "but I can make an exception for someone with a number like that. You looked fantastic, and like you were having a blast." He nodded to the drink and leaned back against the counter.

Lirim: "Makin' me miss it." Not that he ever would. His aesthetic was not relevant anymore. At least he didn't think so. Regardless, his life was much too full to add another career, and it would certainly be a career.

"I need to take y'all dancin'. Someplace where they don't throw money at your feet."

Roxanne: “The throwing money at my feet is half the fun,” she said, winking at Cam. “And thank you, you’re sweet. It’s one of my funner numbers. Jimmy!”

The bartender came to their end of the bar, holding a cigarette to Roxanne’s lips and lighting it for her.

“Thanks, sugar. Bring me a cosmo?”

Jimmy gave a single nod and turned expectantly to her companions.

Cameron: "Miss it?" Cam's eyes widened at Lirim and he grinned at the idea of Lirim on stage. "You were a dancer?"

The grin continued as Roxanne spoke and he ordered a gin and tonic when he made eye contact with Jimmy.

Lirim: "Would it surprise you to know I danced in a round cage at Imagination? It's still around. Same owner, too. Married his favorite drag queen as soon as that went legal."